Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Ruby Slippers')

Oakleaf Hydrangea is a stunning flowering shrub with large white blooms and interesting exfoliating bark on older canes. The foliage provides some fall color. It is the most adapted to North Texas of all the hydrangeas. Pruning is not usually needed but if needed, prune right after flowering since they bloom on old wood. It thrives in moist soils. Mulching helps with retaining moisture. ‘Ruby Slippers’ (cross between oak leaf hydrangea cultivars 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee') is a compact form with large upright flower panicles that emerge white but then turn pink before maturing to ruby red.   Oakleaf Hydrangeas can be used as specimen or planted en masse. They do well in morning sun or bright open woodland areas. They can be used to create an informal hedge. ‘Ruby Slippers’ fits in small gardens due to its compact nature. May be grown in large containers.   AT A GLANCE Texas native No Water use Medium to high Sun exposure Part shade to shade Bloom color White to red Bloom time Spring Mature height 3-4 ft Mature spread 3-5 ft   DISTRIBUTION MAPS  USDA MAP BONAP MAP  Present in state  Present in county and native  Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state           Not present in state  Present and rare, native in county  Previously present, now extinct  Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)